Green Hydrangea Flowers
Michele Rhodes
Michele has lived in DC for over 30 years and has been designing for various shops throughout the region for over 17 years. She learned the craft in a small DC shop focused on corporate events and weddings and over time branched out to design for a wide range of shops across the region. Currently, she is the Lead Designer at Green Hydrangea Flowers. She previously presented her work at three Art in Bloom events at the North Carolina Museum of Art. She is married to a very patient man and has raised three boys, several cats, a dog, and various other critters. Her other passions include the culinary arts, travel, and gardening.
@greenhydrangeaflowers
www.greenhydrangea.com
info@greenhydrangea.com
2024 Design photographed by Aimee Custis
Tess Finnegan, owner
Tess Finnegan is the owner and lead designer at Green Hydrangea Flowers, located in Cleveland Park in Washington, DC. A former federal trial attorney, Tess knew after a stint in Paris in 2003 that she needed more color, more love, and more joy in her life. Inspired by the gorgeous, hand-tied bouquets from her favorite Parisian florists, and recognizing her penchant for putting fresh flowers all over her government office, Tess took a leap. She left six-figures on the table to follow her passion, joining a small floral boutique in DC. There, she started at the bottom — answering phones, sweeping floors, and washing glassware. She quickly worked her way to the top — creating her own designs, managing the shop, developing business, and organizing large weddings and events. Tess began her own floral design studio, Green Hydrangea Flowers, in November 2014. Business has grown steadily by word of mouth throughout Washington, DC, even despite the pressures of the pandemic. Her story has been featured in Sara Bliss’s book, Taking The Leap; the podcast, Life 2.0; and the publications Forbes, DC Modern Luxury, Home & Design, and the Northern Virginia magazine. She lives in Chevy Chase, MD, with her husband, Laurent, and their three children and dog.